Veterans waiting for checks

To be issued on Friday

GREENFIELD — Disabled veterans who receive a monthly check from the state through the town’s Veterans Resource and Referral Center on the last Friday of every month got a surprise last week when they found that because it was the end of Fiscal Year 2013, checks couldn’t be issued until this coming Friday.

Charles Loven, the veterans agent for Greenfield and Leyden, said 75 veterans will have to wait the extra week for their checks.

“For 20 years, veterans got paid on the first Friday of the month,” said Loven. “Last year we changed it to the last Friday of the month so that veterans could get their rent paid on time.”

Loven said he never thought about the last Friday of June also being the last Friday of the fiscal year.

“We can’t pay out 13 months in one fiscal year and we can only cut checks on Fridays,” he said. “So, veterans will get paid twice in July.”

Loven said because Fiscal 2014 began on July 1, veterans couldn’t get paid — they always get paid for the month ahead — until July 5.

“We’re sorry that this happened,” said Loven. “I didn’t realize it in time to let everyone know ahead and prepare. The last time they got paid was May 31, so I realize they have to wait a long time this time.”

He said some veterans came into the office on Friday looking for their checks, but understood when he explained what happened.

“I only got one phone call,” he said. “We’re all just going to have to check our calendars next year.”